Psalms 111 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Psalm 111

Great Are the Lord’s Works

111:1   ¹ Praise the LORD!
  I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2   Great are the works of the LORD,
    studied by all who delight in them.
3   Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
4   He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
    the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5   He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.
6   He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7   The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy;
8   they are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9   He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name!
10   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever!

Footnotes

[1] 111:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each line beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet

Commentary

A psalm of praise to God. Each sentence begins with a successive Hebrew letter.

Psalms 111 - 118 where known as the Hallel, a series of psalms of praise, used at Feast times.

v1: Wholehearted praise, individual and corporate. The Lord is worthy of our praise (Ps 113.1).

v2: The mighty works of God; to be pondered / studied; and they provide encouragement for us to praise Him.

v3-9: God's character is seen in His works, as in Ps 145. God's character is perfect and balanced; as we grow to appreciate His character more, we will become more balanced in our lives; our character, our words, our attitudes. Contrast Ps 115.8, where the idolater becomes like his idol.

The psalmist describes God, and His works;

glorious and majestic are His deeds;
righteous for ever;
His wonders / wonderful works;
Gracious and compassionate;
He provides food;
He remembers His covenant;
The power of His works;
Giving His people the lands of others;
Faithful and just;
Trustworthy;
Steadfast for ever;
Faithful and upright;
Eternal covenant;
Holy and awesome.

A wonderful description; the man or woman of faith cannot but respond in obedience and worship.

v10: Our proper response; in praise and pondering (v1-2), in fear and obedience, Ps 119.34,69.